The best capture card depends on what you want to capture, what your display should receive, and which computer and software you will use. For high-refresh external capture, consider Elgato 4K X or AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1; for a portable 4K60 setup, look at Elgato 4K S; and for an internal desktop card, consider AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1. AVerMedia’s Live Gamer Ultra S is another 4K60 option; PC Gamer named it best overall in its roundup, an editorial judgment rather than a universal verdict.
Before buying, separate the capture signal sent to streaming software from the passthrough signal sent to your monitor or TV. A card’s headline mode may depend on its software, operating system, host connection, and the entire HDMI chain.
How to choose a capture card for streaming
A capture card takes video and audio from a console or gaming PC and sends a copy to a computer for streaming or recording. Passthrough sends gameplay onward to a display. These are separate signal paths: a card may pass one resolution, frame rate, or HDR format to the display while capturing a different mode for the computer. Elgato’s buying guide describes a capture card as sitting between the source and display and recommends choosing by capture resolution, portability, source device, and frame rate.
Set the capture target first
Decide whether your stream or recording needs 1080p60, 4K60, or a higher frame rate. Then check the card’s capture modes in the software you plan to use. Do not treat a passthrough maximum as the capture maximum.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Check the source, display, and HDMI chain
Identify the console or gaming PC and the monitor or TV, then confirm that each supports the resolution, refresh rate, and HDR mode you want. HDMI 2.1 performance depends on compatible devices and connections throughout the chain, not just the capture card.
Match the connection to the host
- External USB: Easier to move between setups and suitable for laptops, provided the computer has the required port and host capability.
- Internal PCIe: Designed for a desktop installation. Confirm that a compatible free slot and the required host specifications are available.
Verify software, operating system, and audio routing
Look up the exact capture mode for your intended app, such as OBS, and your operating system. Also confirm how the card handles game audio, microphone commentary, and party chat; those features and routing options vary by model and platform.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Capture cards by workflow
The specifications below are manufacturer claims unless a row explicitly attributes a recommendation to PC Gamer. They are not results from a common hands-on comparison across all models.
| Workflow | Card | What the cited sources support | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| External high-refresh capture | Elgato 4K X | Elgato advertises an external USB, HDMI 2.1 card with capture up to 4K144 and high-refresh passthrough. | Elgato says HDR cannot be captured at every resolution and frame-rate combination. Do not assume 4K144 HDR will work across all sources and apps. |
| External HDMI 2.1 workflow | AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC553G2) | AVerMedia lists capture up to 4K144 through Streaming Center on Windows and up to 4K60 through OBS on Mac. Its HDMI 2.1 passthrough supports listed high-refresh modes. | The 4K144 capture claim is software- and OS-dependent. AVerMedia calls for a USB-C host port and says DSC displays may limit passthrough to 4K120. |
| 4K60-oriented external option | AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra S (GC553Pro) | PC Gamer named it best overall in its capture-card roundup and lists capture up to 4K60, with 1440p144 and 1080p240 modes. | “Best overall” is PC Gamer’s judgment, not an objective consensus. The roundup notes that some advanced 4K functionality depends on Streaming Center software. |
| Portable 4K60 setup | Elgato 4K S | Elgato’s buyer guide says it captures up to 4K60 with HDR and works with Windows, macOS, and iPad. The guide identifies analog audio input for party chat as a differentiator. | This is manufacturer guidance. Verify the exact source, app, and HDR mode for your setup rather than assuming every combination is supported. |
| Internal desktop setup | AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2.1 (GC575) | AVerMedia lists PCIe Gen 3 x4, HDMI 2.1 input and output, Windows 10/11 requirements, 4K144 capture in Streaming Center, and 4K60 among its capture modes. | It is not portable. Check your free slot, host specifications, HDMI chain, and intended capture app. AVerMedia says DSC displays may limit passthrough to 4K120. |
What the advertised modes mean in practice
“Up to 4K144” is conditional
For the 4K X, Elgato advertises capture up to 4K144, but its HDR caveat means that maximum should not be read as a promise of 4K144 HDR in every configuration. For the GC553G2, AVerMedia ties capture up to 4K144 to Streaming Center on Windows, while listing up to 4K60 with OBS on Mac. Choose by the mode your actual source, host, operating system, app, and display can sustain.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
HDR passthrough does not establish HDR capture
HDR can differ between what reaches the display and what the capture software receives. OBS’s HDR device guidance, dated 2022-08-02, says OBS 28.0 introduced HDR recording and streaming, and that external-source HDR capture requires a device supporting a 10-bit format such as P010. The page describes device HDR capture support on Windows and lists tested devices including Elgato 4K X and HD60 X. Because the guidance is dated, use it as a starting point and verify current compatibility for your device, OS, app, and selected mode.
Check every part of an HDMI 2.1 setup
For the AVerMedia GC553G2, AVerMedia specifies a host USB 3.2 Gen 2 or above and calls for compatible source and display devices. It also says a DSC display may limit passthrough to 4K120. The GC575 has the same stated DSC passthrough limitation. A card cannot make an incompatible console, display, host port, or signal chain support a mode it does not handle.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Setup checks before you buy
- Write down the source output. Check the console or PC’s resolution, refresh rate, and HDR output settings.
- Choose the software capture mode. Confirm the card supports the intended capture resolution and frame rate in your actual app and OS. For example, the GC553G2’s listed maximum differs between Windows Streaming Center and OBS on Mac.
- Check passthrough separately. Verify the display mode you want and whether the card supports that mode while capturing your selected signal.
- Confirm the host connection. For USB models, check the computer’s required port and host capability. For an internal card such as the GC575, verify a free compatible PCIe Gen 3 x4 slot and the stated Windows 10/11 requirement.
- Test HDR as its own mode. Confirm the required format, resolution, frame rate, OS, and software together. Do not infer capture support from HDR passthrough.
- Plan audio routing. Decide how game sound, your microphone, and party chat will enter the stream, then confirm the model and platform support that arrangement.
Common capture-card problems and fixes
- The display works, but the capture looks different. Passthrough and capture are distinct paths. Check the capture mode selected in the app and compare it with the card’s supported-mode table.
- A headline resolution or frame rate is unavailable. The mode may require particular software, OS, host connection, or source/display support. Check those dependencies; the GC553G2, for example, lists different maximum capture modes for Windows Streaming Center and OBS on Mac.
- HDR appears on the display but not in the recording. Confirm the device, OS, software, and 10-bit capture format support the desired HDR path. OBS’s published guidance is Windows-specific and dated 2022, so check current app and vendor compatibility.
- Passthrough is limited to 4K120 on a DSC display. AVerMedia identifies this limitation for the GC553G2 and GC575. Check whether the display uses DSC and consult the card’s current supported-mode guidance.
- Party chat is missing or isolated from the stream. Recheck the console’s chat-output settings and the card’s model-specific audio inputs and routing. Do not assume an audio feature on one capture card applies to another.
Price and availability
Prices and stock vary by region and retailer. Elgato’s US product page displayed the 4K X at $249.99 when accessed on 2026-10-03; check the current regional listing before buying. The available specifications and recommendations do not establish a like-for-like price comparison across every card, so choose a workflow first and compare current local prices second.
Or let it run in the cloud
A capture card is for capturing gameplay from a console or gaming PC. If your goal instead is to keep a YouTube channel live 24/7 using uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a different kind of tool: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud; it does not stream a camera feed.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Nothing needs to stay on at home: your computer can be off.
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
